Secular Franciscan Order Trillium Regional Fraternity Number 69 Spring 2014 LETTER FROM MINISTER Dear Friends in Christ and fellow secular Franciscans. Today I write my reflections on the work of the current Council as we welcome new elections this coming May. In a sense these are the last reflections as our mandate comes to an ends. The question addressed to the delegates of the 2011 Chapter of Elections was How can the Trillium Regional Council support the Local Fraternities? And the many responses clearly outlined the felt need to form closer ties of fraternal love between the local and the regional fraternities. We all wished to see each other more often, to talk to each other more frequently, in short to become more of a larger Franciscan family. From the very outset than the current Council set about to meet these worthy aspirations through the Franciscan Fest and Ministers Meetings, mini regional meetings that brought close by fraternities together, Formation workshops, YouFra news and activities, news on Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation and many other initiatives. The work of the Council is many, as we found out, and each member of the Council needed to be an active contributor to the overall effort to ensure that the outcome of our voluntary contributions meet these aspirations. Many of us had first to learn our respective roles in the context of the General Constitution and the respective statutes of the Order in order to faithfully remain within and operate under the Franciscan modality. To this end we undertook a spiritual retreat to nourish our souls for the journey. The activities of the Regional Council extend also to collaboration with other Regions and the National Fraternity. Attendance at National Chapters and Spiritual retreats are (Continued on page 2) SPIRITUAL ASSISTANT I found the following reflection on the website of the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, Belleville, Illinois. As we once again celebrate the joy of Easter may this reflection lead us to new life. For St. Francis, Easter was not a one-time event, but a journey, a process. Like St. Paul, Francis could declare: All I want to know is Christ and the power flowing from His Resurrection! This knowledge and power enabled Francis to take the Cross-road which leads to glory: sharing in (Christ s) sufferings by being formed into the pattern of His death, Francis hoped that (he) too might attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Phil 3:10-11) Francis road to Easter began with a profound encounter with Jesus Crucified. Praying before the crucifix in the church of San Damiano outside Assisi during the first years of his conversion, Francis heard Christ address to him the heart-shaking words: Francis, rebuild My house! The future saint felt a mysterious change in himself, but he could not describe it. This was the beginning of his spiritual Easter. St. Francis journeyed to Easter transformation by contemplating and imitating Jesus in the mysteries of His poverty and humility. Seraphic love even compelled the Poor Man to ask Christ to grant him to feel in his body the pains of the Passion and to feel in his heart the love which urged Christ to die for sinners. In September 1224, two years before the Seraphic Patriarch s death, God answered his prayer with the imprinting of the Sacred Stigmata, making Francis an icon of the Crucified Jesus. Yet, Francis immersion in the mysteries of the Passion did not make him sad or somber. Rather, the sorrows of the Lord opened Francis to a deeper, truer joy. The wounds of Christ s Passion which the Poor Man bore were in truth signs of spiritual resurrection, God visibly confirming Francis passage through death to life. Francis Easter newness was the fruit of his union with the Crucified and Risen One. This union is the secret of the Little Poor Man s joy, his peace-making skills, his enthusiasm for the things of God, his unique (Continued on page 2) 1
(Minister s Letter, Continued from page 1) integral part of the tasks at hand. These are the arenas where new Council members get to meet their counter parts and exchange much valuable information and practices from the larger Canadian Franciscan family. Communications between the National and Regional Fraternities has been quite extensive and in my quarterly reports to the local Ministers there has always been news from CIOFS as well the National Fraternity. And as we reflect on these we are reminded of the new request by the International Fraternity for ideas on How to Manage an International Order like the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS). A questionnaire we passed on to all Ministers recently. Communications between the Region, Local fraternities and individual secular Franciscans has also been enhanced through the regular issue of the Good News Report, the Regional websites, through regular meetings and the many visits to the local Fraternities. Through all these contacts we learned of the well-established Franciscan spirituality alive in this Region and the many charitable activities local fraternity members are engaged in. During the term of our mandate we worked with local Fraternities to assist with Formation through workshops and materials made available. We also wish to thank the many selfless devoted formation directors whose contribution resulted in us welcoming 67 new members to the Order. Sadly we also said farewells to many friends. As we look forward to the mandate of a new Council there remain a few challenges. A number of current Council members will be retiring resulting in a steeper learning curve for the newcomers. But we count on the assistance of the Holy Spirit and the remaining experienced Councilors to help bridge any gaps. Maintaining and increasing the membership within the Region both in (Continued on page 3) (Spiritual assistant, Continued from page 1) relationship with creation. Illness, disappointment, pain, betrayal and misunderstanding still marked Francis earthly pilgrimage. But, he saw these sufferings in a new light. He understood that through them, God was making all things work toward an eternal good, an eternal Easter. And so in Francis and through him an unexpected joy and a holy newness came into the world. St. Francis mission of newness did not end with death. Those present at his funeral services saw his body, adorned with the wounds of Christ, shining with a marvelous brightness. In life, Francis bore in his body the likeness of the sufferings of Christ. In death, his body presaged the glory of the future resurrection: The wounds he has, show forth/ Gifts of a newer kind. The power of this new life was also manifested in the wonders which occurred through his intercession: he shone with the new light of miracles after his death. Against this backdrop, the Easter references in St. Francis writings shine with a new splendor. When composing his devotional Office of the Cross, the Seraphic Father included a special Office for the Easter season. Yet even in the solemn Offices for Holy Week, the thought of Resurrection is present: Arise, my glory! Arise, lyre and harp! I will arise at dawn! I have slept and risen a nd my most Holy Father has received me in glory. Christ made Francis, the Easter Saint, a singer of the new song of Redemption. In the Exhortation to the Praise of God, the Poor Man sang as his own the hymn of those who stand before the Throne of God in heaven: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power, glory and honor! His song of Easter triumph is likewise that of the Church on earth: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! St. Francis of Assisi shows what can happen when the grace of Easter becomes effective in a Christian s life. He teaches us that every earthly suffering holds the seed of resurrection. Fr. Peter Knaapen ofm conv. 2
(Minister Letter, Continued from page 2) terms of existing Fraternities and in professed secular Franciscans will remain a challenge. So is the list of those considered Active Members. Sadly during our mandate a number of struggling Fraternities have suspended their monthly meetings owing to illness. While the number of Inactive Members significantly increased even among the most active Fraternities. The relative rate of professions has remained low in the last few years. Fraternities have been asking for ideas in recruiting new inquirers across the region. Many new ideas and pamphlets were created for local use and shared with and among the Ministers at our annual gatherings. Despite these notes we give thanks to the Lord for the many canonical establishments and the validation of some existing Fraternities that were completed during our mandate. We give thanks to our Regional Spiritual Assistant, Fr. Peter Knaapen ofm conv. for his very active support in meeting these objectives. The current Council wishes to thank all Fraternities for the warm welcome extended to our visitors and for the many prayers offered up to strengthen us in serving you. We also thank you for the extensive collaboration with and in participation of new initiatives. Additionally, we wish to thank our many volunteers whose invaluable contributions made the carrying out of our mandate possible. Among them are members of families helping with the setting up for region wide meetings, providing transportation. I wish to extend my thanks to Virginia Mees ofs for the new website, Clelia Malerba ofs for the many recognition certificates and those engaged in the work of issuing the Good News Report, deacon Maurice Prindiville ofs, Gus and Doris Legere ofs. Finally I wish to thank the active assistance of the Council members whose consistent assistance was invaluable during the last three years. Au Revoir VICE-MINISTER S LETTER Dear Brothers and Sisters, With great joy, I send out my greeting of love to all of you! The sweetness of spring is always a reminder to me of new beginnings! Our Liturgical Year always brings us to a reminder of seasons. Lent and Easter are the times of new beginnings! I want to remind you, that the Chapter of Elections for the Trillium Region, is soon approaching- May! This will definitely be a time of new beginnings! And a new season in our lives! I ask all of you, dear brothers and sisters to PRAY, pray for our Chapter of Elections. I encourage you to be prepared, as I am, to stand, if nominated for any position that the Lord may put before us. Should you stand for a nomination, does NOT mean you will be elected- BUT you will have said your yes given your FIAT. Truly our YES cannot alter God s will- it only shows we are willing to do HIS will. It has been my privilege, and my blessing to serve with this council. I commend my brother and sister members of the Regional Fraternity Council, for all their hard work, especially Les Alberti our Minister. By God s grace we are who we are and where we are. Let us always be mindful of God s grace in our lives and in our charism. Without God s grace, we would not be secular Franciscans- truly we have all been blessed! I thank all of you for the prayers that you have offered for myself and my family. All is well more healing needed but all is well right now. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Chapter of Elections in May! Peace and Love Colleen MacAlister ofs Peace and all good Les Alberti ofs 3
FROM THE FORMATION CORNER Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Spring is in the air and summer is upon us again. This time of the year we reflect on the Resurrection. What an awesome beginning. The Lord awaits us in our heavenly home and reminds us of His Love and Mercy. He came to save each and every one of us. We see His Love in creation especially this time of year, when dark turns to light, and nature begins to bloom again after dark hours. A reminder that He is alive, and we must die to ourselves to be re-born in and with Him, our Saviour. We see the trees budding and flowers peaking through the earth!!! He is so very close to each and every one of us if only we look for Him in the silence of our heart, the works of creation, and the portraits He paints in the sky each and every morning and evening. I sincerely hope that you will be attending the Chapter of Elections the weekend of May 23 rd. Please pray to the Holy Spirit for a successful and meaningful election this year. If you are not sure if you should run for any particular office for Regional, I know, by experience, that if you step out for the Lord to do His work, He blesses you abundantly. A reminder of Franciscan feast days during summer: St. Bonaventure - July 15 The Portiuncula - Aug. 2 St. Clare - Aug. 11 Louis IX, Patron of the Secular Franciscans - Aug.25 The Stigmata - Sept.17 You may also like to prepare for the celebration of the Transitus and the Feast of St. Francis, Oct. 3 & 4. All of these feast days may be an opportunity to get together for mass and sharing. I pray that all of you enjoy a peaceful, joyous, and Spirit-Filled summer, and I hope to see you at the Chapter of Elections in May. God Bless you and your families, Donna Dooling ofs TREASURER S REPORT Over the past three years of my term as Treasurer of Trillium Regional Fraternity it has been a pleasure to have met with so many of our members. We, as a Council, have been good stewards of your Fair Share. Here is a breakdown of how our funds were spent: TRAVEL: (including meetings, visits, elections, professions, etc.) $3055.00 NEWSLETTERS: ( sent out 4 times per year) $900.00 FORMATION: ( materials etc. ) $580.00 NATIONAL FAIR SHARE: ( rises $1.00 per member per year) $3570.00 MINISTERS CONFERENCE, NATIONAL WORKSHOPS, CHAPTER OF ELECTIONS etc. $4000.00 TOTAL $12,105.00 We collect annually about $12,100 for Fair Share. So as you can see we are on budget. However, as the cost of our National Fair Share is expected to rise every year and the cost of postage to send out our quarterly newsletters is rising to $1.00 per newsletter this will add additional costs to our budget. Many of our members receive the Newsletter via email but it is very important for us, as Franciscans, to keep in touch with our members who do not have access to computers. We have remained at charging each active member $32.00 for the past 20 years. There will be a resolution presented at the Chapter of Elections in May to raise our Fair Share stipend. I look forward to meeting with many of you then. Peace and All Good Catherine Payne ofs 4
YOUTH COORDINATOR S LETTER Dear Franciscan Brothers and Sisters, The end of another three years of service is fast approaching. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to contribute to our Trillium Regional Fraternity, for it is in giving that we receive. God always blesses our FIAT. Good News- a table was set up at CCO s Rise-Up, and was visible to 850 young adults. Thanks to Aaron Arkbuckle and Lisa Marie Trudel for overseeing this table and witnessing to the Gospel. Here is a short reflection from Aaron: Upon arriving to Rise Up I was stunned because not two feet in the door I run into a friend that I had met at Madonna House many years ago and had not been in contact with since. We greeted each other by name and I was instantly set at easy, being reminded that truly we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we ought to be as such with each other always. To my surprise there was not a single moment during the whole conference that I felt overwhelmed by the number of people because I am always comfortable with family, no matter how large the gathering is. This sense of family was the most palpable elements for me at Rise Up, but certainly not the only one. From all of the youth there one got a sense of the honesty and dedication to living the gospel each in his or her own way. Every one at different places spiritually yet all still confident and rooted in Christ. Experiencing adoration amongst 850 other youth when you can hear a pin drop was galvanizing for my spirit and the authenticity of the Catholic faith was as tangible at that moment than I had ever experienced before, simple awesome. The commitment to myself and promise to the Pope for me were one in the same, to take up arms, defend my faith to battle evil and to further the kingdom with my life. The table went great, Silvana, I passed out all the brochures and talked to as many people as I could. We did manage to sell a few books. (supplied by the Daughters of St. Paul) Mostly everyone I spoke with got a brochure and a personalized explanation of what YouFra is. I trust that the Lord will watch over the seeds he has planted and that they will bring the fruits of a greater fraternal relationship among all. Peace and all good things Aaron Arbuckle More Good News-2500 Canadian Youth have registered for Steubenville Toronto this summer from July 4-6 th. Youth conference has its origins from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. Last year, 40, 000 Youth attended 18 conferences in North America. This included the conference being held at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Fr. Ed Debono is one of many Franciscan priests and Friars that will be present to Youth this summer in Toronto. I am hoping the organizers will let us set up a booth for YouFra. If not, I will distribute info to individual Youth Ministers and Youth. This is another golden opportunity to make St. Francis and St. Claire known and loved. LET US BE ENCOURAGED!! It is clear that God made us for community, for family, to work together and be witnesses of the Gospel to the world. Francis is a living Gospel. Let us remember that we may be the only Gospel a person meets on any given day. The Word of God was living and effective in St. Francis and so it must be living and effective in us. Good News Continues- I am on the Youth Commission for our diocese and we have just decided that our fall Youth Conference s theme will be GO REBUILD MY CHURCH. This is very exciting and will bring St. Francis to shine yet again. I have been asked to present the LIVING SAN DAMIANO CROSS DRAMA. This will be the third time the drama will tell of St. Francis search, his call and his conversion. I want to thank everyone for their kind and encouraging words, sent quietly and lovingly. I very much appreciated the Mass card and all the prayers for my family. May the grace of the resurrection be yours! Peace, Silvana Rossi Loughheed ofs 5
FRANCISCAN VOICE CANADA Uniting Franciscan Voices Across the Nation and to the World. The new website Franciscan Voice Canada (FVC) was designed to provide a national voice (English sector) for Secular Franciscans on Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation initiatives. It is a place that invites all SFO members to speak, promote, connect and consider JPIC, and to offer up materials, news and content for inclusion to the site. It all started as a suggestion by the National Minister who in response to the National JPIC Action Plan of 2012 decided to design a website and newsletter to fulfill the needs of the JPIC Action Plan protocol. Thus Franciscan Voice Canada was created. The FVC is directed by the National Council and is administered by Regional JPIC Directors and their committees. The content follows the OFS Rule and General Constitutions, National Statues of Canada, Franciscan Family, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and JPIC Initiatives. All SFO members are invited to contribute to the site. As stated in the OFS Rule 15, Let them individually and collectively be in the forefront in promoting justice by the testimony of their human lives and their courageous initiatives. Especially in the field of public life, they should make definite choices in harmony with their faith. SFO Members are welcome to contribute to the FVC in a variety of ways. Such as writing a blog on a JPIC initiative, submitting an article on a JPIC topic or concern, communicating a news item for the Events page, posting an article on a particular concern such as poverty, just to name a few. The site provides all members with up-to-date news, formation materials and articles, and a vast array of resources. FVC links to many other sites: including Franciscan sites, advocacy sources, the Vatican, media resources and more. The Spotlight page is for all fraternities to share their JPIC goals, initiatives and progress. Here we can learn so much more form each other. The Concerns page offers members a chance to review topics such as Christian Solidarity, Care for Creation, Modern Slavery, Ethical Use of Resources and more. The Action Alerts brings causes in our world to the page. Contributions are made easy as the editorial team is ready to assist members with submissions and there is the website posting protocol that directs members in making contributions. For more information or to make a contribution please contact by email mailto:contact@franciscanvoicecanada.com or visit the site at www.franciscanvoicecanada.com Peace and All Good, Virginia Mees, ofs. PROFESSIONS St. Mary of the Angels Fraternity - Welland Louise Cowan ofs and Valerie Norris ofs were professed on the Feast Day of St. Elizabeth of Hungary: November 7, 2013. The Mass and social afterwards were well attended by fraternity members, parishioners, family and friends. Fr Peter Knaapen, OFM Conv. led the celebration with such tender care. 6
CHAPTERS OF ELECTION St. John Vianney Fraternity - Don Mills Feb 22.2014. Minister; Andrew Sung Ho Oh. ofs Vice minister: Benedict Jin Kook Lee ofs Secretary: Francisco Seung Wook Paik ofs Treasurer: Bibiana Mi Ra Kim ofs Formation Director: Maria Ho Jeong Seo ofs St. Anne' Fraternity - Techunseh L. to R. Formation: Luis Alvirez ofs Treasurer: Sylvana Alvirez ofs Mia their daughter, Minister, Trillium Region: Les Alberti ofs Minister: John Vajdik ofs Vice Minister: Marie Vajdik ofs Secretary: Bert VanBerlo ofs - Holy Rosary Fraternity - Belleville April 17, 2014 L. to R. Formation Director: Mary Olson ofs Vice- Minister: Pat O Connell ofs Secretary : Beverly MacDonald ofs Treasurer : Ken Captstick ofs (Not in picture) Minister: Rose Marie MacMullen ofs Youth Coordinator: (There was no election for this position- however there is a Youth contact: Silvana Lougheed ofs.) VISITORS Sacred Heart Fraternity - Guelph We were pleased to have Jean Helene and Eric Edouard as our visitors at our April 6 meeting. They have recently arrived in Canada from Mauritius. We welcome them both! BAKING MINISTER Queen of Peace Fraternity - Madoc, Donald MacAlister ofs recently elected Minister displays the bread that he just made and thanks the Fraternity of Mount Alverno for putting this recipe in their newsletter! 7
OBITUARIES St. Anne's Fraternity Tecumseh On. Audrey Boutette ofs - Jan 30, 2013 Frances Dickson ofs - Sept 2, 2013 Charles Diemer ofs - Dec 8, 2013 Marie Louise Hayes ofs - Sept 23, 2013 Maurice St. Pierre ofs - Dec 23, 2013 Simone St. Pierre ofs - March 26, 2014 St. Anthony of Padua - Sarnia Peter Benusik ofs September 12, 2013 Betty Mazcho, ofs; October 15, 2012 St Mary of The Angels - Welland Margaret Fox ofs 2013-12-12 St. Angela Merici Fraternity - Oshawa Doris Belliveau ofs April 3, 2014. Doris Hudder, sister of the Spiritual Assistant, Susan Lucksavitch. March, 19th, 2014 Regional Fraternity of Bas St. Laurent-Bathurst The mother of former Regional Minister Claire Bérubé ofs of the past Regional Fraternity of Bas St. Laurent- Bathurst, died in the nursing home of l'isle-verte near Cacouna. January 23, 2014 ANNIVERSARIES St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity - Sarnia On March 18, 2014, St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity celebrated the 30th anniversary of the profession of Helen McGuire, Madeline Griffin, Neil Quinlan, Sharon Quinlan, and Julieta Rishchynski. St. John Vianney Fraternity - Don Mills Celebrated, in July 2013, the recognition of long serving members. 05 years - Regina Myong Za Lee 10 years - Lucas Un Kyung Paik 15 years - Victor Neung Sik Kim 20 years - Regina Jung Rin Jeong 25 years - Honorada Soon Ok Ryu, Benedict Jin Kook Lee, Francisco Hyun Soo, Stephen Young Sik Huh, Margarita Eun Joo Park, Micheal Wan Ho Song, Dominic Hee Baik Kang, Gemma Hae Kyung Song, Angela Jeong Sook Kang, Elizabeth Hyun Ju Hong, Lucilla Hye Ja Kang ANNOUNCEMENTS St. Anne's Fraternity, Tecumseh Day of Reflection for O.F.S. at London Diocesan shrine at St Patrick's Church, Merlin ON. June 21, 2014. Registration 9:00AM Confessions Mass Spiritual Talk Liturgy of the Hours, Dismissal We extend invitation to all Secular Franciscans. There are trails to walk through and a picnic area. For more information contact John Vajdik e mail : jvajdik@sympatico.ca BIRTHDAY St. Angela Merici Fraternity - Oshawa Congratulations to Marie Smith: who will be celebrating her 90th birthday on April 27. The Good News Report is the official newsletter of the Secular Franciscan Order, Trillium Region. We aim to publish it in the middle to the end of September, December, March & June. Any items you wish to include are warmly welcomed and will be published space permitting. Articles may be sent by the 8 th of the month of publishing, to Deacon Maurice Prindiville, ofs, mprindiville@golden.net Note: If you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, please let us know as above. Trillium Certificates For Trillium Certificates to mark Professions, Anniversaries of Profession & Service Recognition for Spiritual Assistants, (usually 5 year milestones) please contact: Clelia Malerba, ofs; malerbac@yahoo.com Please apply in good time if you wish to have them on the profession day or anniversary date. 8